Gallery of the Masters Fine Art Gallery

Ferdinand de Braekeleer the Elder

1792-1883 Belgium- Historical painter

Brief Biography-Ferdinand de Braekeleer the Elder was a historical painter from Antwerp. When his parents died he was sent to an art school for orphans in Antwerp where he studied under Mathieu Ignace van Brée, from there he went on to study at the Academy of Fine Arts. He had success in Paris with his paintings and afterwards in Antwerp, he won a scholarship to study in Italy where he studied for two years.
When he returned to Antwerp he had considerable success with historical paintings and tutored upcoming artists such as Jan August Hendrik leys. His sons Ferdinand, Henri and nephew Adriaan also became successful artists in their time.